Is Rajinikanth joining politics? India abuzz over latest speech

SOCIAL MEDIA in India lit up Friday when world-famous actor Rajinikanth, in a speech on the last day of a week-long meet-and-greet in Chennai, dropped numerous hints he may be considering a political career.

The actor had only days ago quelled speculation of the possibility when he told Tamil Nadu fans on the first day of the meet-and-greet that he had no political aspirations and would only take the plunge “if God wills it.”

Friday’s speech, however, set tongues wagging all over again.

It will be blessing for Tamil Nadu and India if Thalaivar Rajinikanth enters politics by creating a new party. Excited!!! #VoteForThalaivar

He then touched on criticism suggesting his non-Tamil origin made him unfit to lead Tamil Nadu, insisting that he considers himself a “pure Tamil”.

“I wanted to clear this: There are questions raised about my non-Tamil origin. I was in Karnataka for the first 23 years of my life. I have spent 44 years in Tamil Nadu.”

He added that the people of Tamil Nadu “made me Tamil by their inflinching support. I am pure Tamil.”

Rajinikanth was likely responding to a ruling party MP, who just days ago said he would be a “disaster” in politics and called him an outsider. According to News18, the MP, Subramaniam Swamy also said:

“Rajini should stay out of politics. He has no idea or the qualification to be CM.”

Local media, however, says millions of Rajinikanth’s adoring fans in India are supportive of the prospect of the actor joining politics in Tamil Nadu, believing him to be the best candidate to fill a vacuum created by the death of its former chief minister J. Jayalalithaa.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), India’s largest political party and the party of current Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is also said to be willing to welcome Rajinikanth into its fold, hoping to gain from his influence.

The actor has not responded positively to the overtures but has also not turned his nose up at the prospect, which many say signals his openness to joining politics.

Speculation over the possibility of his political debut has even resulted in fans scrutinising his films for hints, like the 2002 Baba, which contained numerous political dialogues.

Fans have also taken to using the #VoteForThalaivar hashtag on Twitter to express support for the superstar.